'De Fontein van Hercules, met die van de Groote Sprong, voor 't Amphitheater', in: Tooneel Der Voornaamste Nederlands Huizen, En Lust Hoven, Naar T Leven Afgebeeld 1660 - 1693

Carel Allard created this print of the 'Fountain of Hercules' sometime between 1648 and 1709, capturing a scene of leisure in the Netherlands. During this period, the Dutch Golden Age was in full swing. The country was a hub of global trade and cultural exchange. Here, Allard directs our attention to the ways class and social status are performed and reinforced in public spaces. Note the well-dressed figures leisurely enjoying the manicured gardens, a stark contrast to the labor and resources required to maintain such extravagance. The fountain itself, dedicated to the mythical Hercules, symbolizes strength and power, subtly reinforcing the authority of the elite. The artist offers us a glimpse into the carefully constructed world of the Dutch upper class. Allard's print encourages us to reflect on the power dynamics embedded in seemingly idyllic settings. It serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between leisure, labor, and social identity.